The Southeastern Conference announced Wednesday it will shift to a nine-game football schedule beginning in 2026, a move designed to enhance rivalries, competitive balance, and national playoff readiness.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the impact of the change in a statement, saying, “The SEC has established itself as the leader in delivering the most compelling football schedule in college athletics. Fans will see traditional rivalries preserved, new matchups more frequently, and a level of competition unmatched across the nation.”

Key details of the new format:

The SEC will remain in a single-standings, non-divisional structure.

Each school will play three annual opponents, preserving historic rivalries.

The other six games will rotate across the league.

Every team will fa

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